Kendra Varela
Deming,USA
Summary
Professional in criminal justice field with expertise in client supervision and rehabilitation. Proven impact in reducing recidivism through tailored support and intervention programs. Reliable team collaborator focused on achieving results and adapting to changing needs, skilled in risk assessment and crisis intervention.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Court Probation Officer
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
12.2025 - Current
- Responsible for conducting investigations on participants, establish needs, and develops appropriate treatment support plan. Complete ORAS assessments and create case plans as needed. Participate in scheduled progress meetings at court-appointed locations. Monitors participant compliance at court hearings and with community service program requirements and tracks and records community service participation. Reports, documents, and notifies the court of participant compliance, non-compliance or program violations and recommends appropriate action. Maintains current case files, and documents all interactions with program participants and treatment providers in the case management system (DIMS). Performs scheduled and unannounced site visits (home, work, school or other location) to monitor program compliance. Monitors program compliance utilizing electronic monitoring technology. Tracks and administers drug and alcohol screens and maintains an alcohol and drug screening protocols, equipment and supplies. Participates in and attends conferences, training such as COBT, community outreach and educational programs related to court programs. Prepares written and oral reports detailing participant’s program compliance and makes recommendations on future treatment support, or referrals. Provides input during court proceedings, and meetings with court staff and other treatment providers.
Surveillance Officer
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Performing both scheduled and non-scheduled site visits to participant’s homes, schools, work, and other locations to monitor program compliance. Tracks and administers breath, urine, and sweat patch drug tests as necessary. Documents all interactions with program participants in the case management system. Maintains accurate case files and records. Prepares precisely written reports detailing participant program compliance, tracks, and records community service participation, and attends court proceedings. Participate and provide input during meetings with court staff and other programs. Maintain drug testing equipment and supplies. Maintain and install alcohol monitoring equipment and GPS. Participate in community education and outreach related to court programs. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statues, rules, procedures, or committees. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statutes, rules, and procedures.
Administrative Assistant
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Prepare documents, perform data entry, electronically files document, makes copies and mails or disseminates records. Attend court proceedings and ensure there is an audible recording of judicial proceedings, and receive and maintain court exhibits. Maintain a docket or calendar of deadlines and appointments. Manage and coordinate the timely processing of documents, correspondence, and records. Manage and track information and data using electronic databases. Manage and routes files and information to appropriate destination. Answer telephones, provide customer service, and greets visitor. Provide support to judges and staff, coordinate and schedule meeting, facilities, training testing, vehicles, travel, staff, videoconferencing, and teleconferences.
Adult Treatment Court Monitor
Luna County
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Performing both scheduled and non-scheduled site visits to participant’s homes, schools, work, and other locations to monitor program compliance. Tracks and administers breath, urine, and sweat patch drug tests as necessary. Documents all interactions with program participants in the case management system. Maintains accurate case files and records. Prepares precisely written reports detailing participant program compliance, tracks, and records community service participation, and attends court proceedings. Participate and provide input during meetings with court staff and other programs. Maintain drug testing equipment and supplies. Maintain and install alcohol monitoring equipment and GPS. Participate in community education and outreach related to court programs. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statues, rules, procedures, or committees. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statutes, rules, and procedures.
Child Support Legal Assistant I
State of New Mexico
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Independently establish and manage a caseload, interpret the application of legal decisions, and negotiate non-legal child support agreements. Provide independent case management and close cases pursuant to federal time frames. Function as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team to resolve cases. Coordinate with other public assistance programs regarding eligibility, compliance, and sanctions. Maintain contact with community resources, local District Attorneys, and absent parent locator resources. Conduct interviews with absent parents to determine their level of responsibility regarding their minor dependent child(ren). Review intake information and conduct subsequent interview(s) with customers to gather critical paternity and financial information. Use legal guidelines to accurately determine child support obligation and arrears. Initiate the establishment of legal and non-legal child support agreements by obtaining paternity establishment, domestic violence, state child born, medical insurance, and financial information. Interpret the application of a judge's decisions regarding financial and/or medical support for a child. Negotiate child support agreements, stipulated orders, and acknowledgment of paternity. Prepare petitions, motions for court hearings, and legal documents. Generate reports and supporting documentation. Testifies in court on matters relating to child support. Coordinate investigative efforts directly with law enforcement agencies.
Team Leader
H & R Block
12.2021 - 07.2022
- Manage office staffing, operations, and logistics for multiple offices with support from Associate Team Leaders. Partner with the District General Manager (DGM) to create and implement office-level growth plans and client growth targets, which include developing local partnerships and managing office community involvement. Assist DGM in recruiting and interviewing candidates for tax office associate positions. Conduct timely performance reviews and partner with Associate Relations Center to resolve associate issues and address performance concerns. Build an engaging team environment, across all offices, by training and coaching associates recognizing outstanding associate contributions. Lead daily team meetings and communicate essential information to tax office associates Create associate work schedules across all offices and ensure accurate timekeeping, as well as labor management for associates in all offices. Travel between offices as needed. Prepare tax returns as needed.
Adult Treatment Court Monitor
Luna County
10.2020 - 12.2021
- Performing both scheduled and non-scheduled site visits to participant’s homes, schools, work, and other locations to monitor program compliance. Tracks and administers breath, urine, and sweat patch drug tests as necessary. Documents all interactions with program participants in the case management system. Maintains accurate case files and records. Prepares precisely written reports detailing participant program compliance, tracks, and records community service participation, and attends court proceedings. Participate and provide input during meetings with court staff and other programs. Maintain drug testing equipment and supplies. Maintain and install alcohol monitoring equipment and GPS. Participate in community education and outreach related to court programs. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statues, rules, procedures, or committees. Serve the court in accordance with appropriate statutes, rules, and procedures.
Substance Abuse Services Coordinator
Social Work Action Group
07.2017 - 08.2021
- Ensuring the quality of behavioral health services within the community to include coordination with youth and families, treatment providers/facilities, and participation in statewide planning initiatives; assisting with behavioral health systems coordination; serving as a liaison for provider agencies and subcontractors by providing technical assistance and clinical consultation; and assisting in the development and implementation of new behavioral health programming. Plans, organizes and directs the activities of substance abuse programs; may direct clerical and/or support services in Substance Abuse Services. Selects, assigns, and evaluates staff; conducts, participates in and/or approves orientation, training and staff development programs. Direct and participates in the preparation and administration of budgets and operating objectives; authorizes expenditures. Plan for program activities and related space needs and utilization; negotiates terms of leases or service agreements with outside service providers, trainers and others; makes appropriate recommendations for contracts; monitors contracts. Develop, review, evaluate and/or audits short, mid-range, and annual plans for programs; monitor programs for compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Direct and participate in the development of program, unit, and department policies, procedures, goals and objectives. Review and evaluate new and/or pending legislation, grant proposals, rules and regulations; analyzes impact on programs; makes appropriate recommendations. Prepare reports and correspondence; may prepare grant applications. Serve as liaison between Substance Abuse Services and agencies and community groups; participates on committees as assigned.
Journey Level Counselor
The Geo Group
04.2010 - 07.2017
- Assist in developing, organizing, and conducting programs to provide education for conditions and problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. Conducts and assist in conducting individual or group counseling sessions and programs. Provide relevant substance abuse information for class curriculum. Facilitate and co-facilitate didactic educational presentations, group counseling, and individual counseling sessions. Select and recommend new instructional materials and programs for use in the substance abuse program. Maintain knowledge of new developments in the field of substance abuse. Maintain a collegian relationship with other substance abuse professionals, programs, and associations. Complete required testing, assessment, and psychosocial history on incoming participants as required. Participate in related training for substance abuse.
Education
Associates of Science - Addiction Studies
Orange County
Orange, CA12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12-2026
Skills
- Detailed case management
- Technical documentation
- Comprehensive case management
- Supervision of offenders
- Technical report writing
- Risk assessment expertise
- Comprehensive case coordination
- Data collection
- Restorative justice practices
- Advanced database searches
- Effective communicator
- Fostering a positive mindset
- Judicial processes
- Skilled in conducting interviews
- Effective public speaking
- Experienced with DIMS, Microsoft office and Google Docs, Forms, Sheets
- Regulatory policy updates
- Confident legal testimony
- Efficient patient intake management
- Legal document preparation
- Behavioral evaluation
- Community engagement initiatives
- Project planning
- Crisis management strategies
- Coaching and guidance
- Client-focused counseling
- File evaluation
- Outreach strategy implementation
- Facilitating group therapy
- Clear and concise communication
- Conducting interviews
- Analytical problem solving
- On-site supervision
- Implementation of credentialing procedures
- Analytical research skills
- Cognitive behavioral techniques
- Urinalysis interpretation
- Quality assurance experience
- Court report writing
- Electronic surveillance
- Substance abuse counseling
- Performance assessment
- Trauma-informed practices
- Collaborative teamwork
- Analytical problem-solving
- Effective time management
- Thoroughness in task execution
- Critical thinking abilities
- Consistent reliability
Timeline
Court Probation Officer
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
12.2025 - Current
Surveillance Officer
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
05.2024 - 12.2025
Administrative Assistant
State of New Mexico 6th Judicial District
01.2024 - 05.2025
Adult Treatment Court Monitor
Luna County
07.2023 - 01.2024
Child Support Legal Assistant I
State of New Mexico
05.2022 - 12.2022
Team Leader
H & R Block
12.2021 - 07.2022
Adult Treatment Court Monitor
Luna County
10.2020 - 12.2021
Substance Abuse Services Coordinator
Social Work Action Group
07.2017 - 08.2021
Journey Level Counselor
The Geo Group
04.2010 - 07.2017
Associates of Science - Addiction Studies
Orange County
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Canyon University